Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Kelly continues to recover today. She is doing pretty well for what she has been through yesterday. She is having a little more pain tonight and finally agreed to some morphine, which she has been turning down all day. She was moved out of Intensive Care tonight and is back on the fifth floor, where she has been before since it is the neuroscience floor.

She had her MRI this morning and her doctor was successful removing all of her tumors. However, because of what has happened since her last surgery with the tumor recurring so fast, they know that there are cancer cells left in her brain. The last treatment obviously did not kill them, so they are will be treating her even more aggressively now. We are still waiting to hear from oncology what the new plan is. They are waiting for the final pathology report.

Thanks to everyone for posting comments to her. They really cheer her up. We really appreciate everyone's good thoughts and prayers!

33 comments:

Hey Kelly,Sorry to hear you were hurting more tonight - I hope it's under control now and you're getting comfy on the 5th floor. Emily is working on something here to help you be comfy - but I don't think I should say more! Hopefully she'll finish it quick and you'll see it soon! Love you lots!!Aunt Tracy, Uncle Tom, Emily & Jakexoxoxxxx...

I wanted to let you know that I am thinking of you. I received an email from Mrs. Doherty and I was shocked! I'm not very good at knowing what to say during tough times like these but I know that your family and friends are right there with you. Be strong!!

I just heard about your surprising and difficult news. Please know you are and will be in my prayers and continual good/positive thoughts. I'm glad to know your surgery is behind you now and you soon will have a plan in place on which to focus your efforts to get well. Having such a wonderful family, a terrific support system of friends, and most importantly a strong, sweet spirit of your own are so very important in your next steps toward healing. With a daughter of my own who has a very large brain tumor diagnosed when she was 12 (she's now almost 37) allows me to understand much of your journey. Please know I am standing next to you and by you during this time.

Hi Kelly,We've been watching your blog and have been concerned when we heard you had to have another surgery. I'm glad you are in great hands with your neurosurgeon. Hugs to you, your mom, dad and sisters (and your dog too!) We can't wait for you to get better so Sophie can come and visit.Lots of Love,Darla and Sophie

Hey Kelly,So sorry that you are hurting. But remember as strong as you are, you must sometimes give medicine a chance to do its work as well. The sooner you take it the better you will feel. I know, morphine is not what you want to take, but it helps! You are being lifted up in prayer by all of us who love you (Mom and Dad, Megan and Shannon too!) We'll be praying for your doctors to have the best medicine to fight this cancer. If you need anything-we're here! Hurry home.The Nicolosi Family

Your Mom is so great to keep everyone posted on what's happening with you. Please thank her for us. Get lots of rest and eat well so your body can heal. I hope the hospital food is edible, otherwise I'm sure your Mom can sneak some "goodies" in for you. My whole class is praying for you and I have a card that they made that I will bring you to your house when you're up to having visitors. Take care, sweetie. Lots of people love you!Love,Laurie and Mark

Hi Kelly,We've been thinking about you lots and hoping you're feeling a bit better today. You've handled all that you've been through with such strength and courage! You are an amazing person and we're so lucky to have you in our lives. The girls and I can't wait to play soon!Love,Clare Reding

Dear Kelly,When I heard that you were saying "no" to pain medication, it reminded me of when you were in Kindergarten with Mrs. Smith and you had Red Day and were taught to say "no" to drugs. Megan couldn't remember what she was supposed to say "no" to. Drugs "no" pain medication is okay. But I know what you mean I've only just started taking aspirin for pain. I don't like to take that stuff either but you shouldn't be in pain.

I spoke to your Dad on his shuttle to Quantico. Also because I get the Mission Viejo Library Newsletter I'm getting all kinds of fire reports. I wish I could be there with you but your head hurts enough. Love Love LoveAunt DeniseP.S. It's raining here. I wish I could send you some.

Hi Kelly,Thanks to you and your family for updating this blog. Mrs. Doherty let us know here at La Paz Intermediate School how to find out the latest about you. As I told you in the parking lot at school a few months ago, you are on my prayer list! We really like our new principal this year. We miss Mr. Mucerino, and El Toro High School is lucky to have him now. He has been busy with the evacuations using the gym there. My son was hired by Orange County Fire Authority in August--he's busy too! Stay strong!xoxoxo Mrs. Bosanko

Hi Kelly,My name is Lori and I work at the YMCA. I have spoken with your dad several times to help him with Y-Princess registrations. I was so glad that you were able to go and visit with him in Hawaii. I know he was very much looking forward to that time with you. From your blog it looks like you had an awesome time.Christy and her mom Jenne are keeping your name on our church prayer list and we continue to lift you up to our Lord and Savior Jesus for complete recovery from this cancer. (Actually, Christy's mom says that you met my son Brent on a beach outing last year. I think she might have mentioned this to you or your mom.) Our family is also praying for you often.You are a very brave young lady. I am glad to know that the surgery went well and that you are out of ICU. We will be praying that the oncology team, with the Lord's help, will put together a plan to bring great success. We are looking forward to your complete recovery and return to our YMCA Princess program with your dad. (I hope he will be transfered back home soon!)With Christ's love,Lori

Dear Kelly,My family is hoping that you feel better. We're sorry that you have to deal with all this pain. Hopefully you feel a lot better now. They're are so many people who care about and love you (as I've seen through this blog!) and we pray for you constantly. Sending lots of good thoughts your way...<3 Shannon Hargis & family (Stephanie, Scott, Annette and Paul)

Hope you are felling better today and get stronger with each day. I don't know if you know this yet but they cancled school tomorrow due to the poor air quality. We are having a smoke day instead of a snow day! I miss seeing you and pray for your speedy recovery.

You don't know me but my wife and your mom are pals and I've heard a lot about you. Especially how strong you are in fighting all these challenges. YOU are one of my heroes. I sure hope that if I ever have to face the challenges that you have, that I can be as strong you are.

Hi kelly,we have been thinknig about you everyday.Our thoughts and prayers are with you,always .We are so happy your surgery went well. We are looking forward to seeing you soon and bringing you some goodies. keep up the fight.

Kelly, I know it must be difficult to face each day but you do it with such poise and dignity. If you need that pain medication, take it sweetheart! It's ok! I certainly hope that you feel better soon! Keep up that fight honey. I truly believe that those that fight will win and those that stay positive will have positive results.

Hi Kelly: Like 9th grade isn't hard enough! You've faced every challenge with a smile and positive attitude so you certainly deserve a break. My money is on you! Get well so you can enjoy the usual teen angst....boring teachers, annoying boys, "what to wear," texting, too much homework and not enough sleep. Kathy

Hi Kelly, We just read your blog and were shocked to hear that you had another surgery. Sorry we have not been keeping up with your site. I hope you feel better soon and are back home so you can start my ceramics class! Your in our thoughts & prayers. Heather, Kaela & Kyra

Hi Kelly,Just checking your blog and noticed you have a message all the way from Brazil! Your fan base is growing! And don't forget all your fans in Romania that continue to pray for you! Of course some of your biggest fans are here in Oregon!! Love & lots of hugs!Aunt Tracy, Uncle Tom, Emily & Jake

Our son Michael goes to school with your sister Shannon. We want you to know that we are praying for your complete and speedy recovery. My Ladies Bible Class at church was praying for you Wednesday morning and we will all continue to pray for you, your doctors and care givers and your sweet, loving, family.

Hi Kelly, I wanted to let you know that i am thinking of you, and i am glad to hear that you are doing well after the surgery. We should definitely go see another comedy sportz match together, we had soooooo much fun!cant wait to see you again soon! love, bolla

Hi Kelly, Kathy,I've been reading your blog regularly and thining of Kelly (and your whole family) everyday and in prayer. Your strength is an inspiration to us all.Love to you all,Amy, Matt, Stephen and Lauren

Kelly,We are Emily and Jake's "grandparents". We have been in Oregon for the last 4 months being close to them and hearing them express their love for you. Since they gave us your BLOG address we have tried to keep in touch with you and we are sending you love and concern in our hearts. We think of you often. Peter and Marilyn Hawkins

Dear Kelly,I think I goofed and sent you an e-mail instead of a blog comment the other day, so I hope I manage to get it right this time. All of us in the Wednesday Night Irregulars (Aunt Denise's evening book group)wish you a speedy recovery so you can go back to your own nice cozy home before long! As they say in Germany, keep your ears stiff (meaning "hang in there").All the best from Kathy and Henry Jackson

We are Emily and Jake's "grandparents". WE have been in Oregon for 4 months spending time with them and hearing them express their love for you. WE have you in our hearts and pray for the very best for you. Blessings, Peter and Marilyn Hawkins

Kelly's Story

Kelly was diagnosed with a grade 4 glioblastoma multiforme (brain tumor) in July, 2007. She had surgery to have the tumor removed at Children's Hospital of Orange County in Orange, California. After one round of radiation and chemotherapy, she had another surgery to remove a recurrent tumor on October 22. She is receiving further treatment to try to prevent another recurrence. This website is to keep friends and family updated on her journey and her progress. She loves to read comments posted here for her!

Treatment Plan8/07 - 9/07 30 days radiation along with 42 days of oral temodar. Her first post radiation MRI showed recurrence of her tumor, so this treatment was changed.

11/16 Gamma Knife Radiosurgery - attempt to create a "boundary" to contain cancer cells to the one area of her brain

11/07 to present Irinotecan (also known as CPT-11) and Avastin given every other week

Leave a message for Kelly...

A big thank you to everyone who has posted messages to the blog. Kelly checks them everyday and it means so much to her to hear from all of you and know you are thinking of her. It really makes her happy to know so many people are cheering her on.

If you'd like to post a message and aren't sure how, go down to the bottom of the post that you would like to add a comment to and click on comments. If someone has already posted a comment, you will also see a number telling how many people have commented. Then login or create a new account, which is easy. You just need a name and password. If you post under "anonymous" please remember to sign your name so we know who it is from.

If you click on anonymous, you don't have to have an identity or password, so that may be easier!